Third local man sentenced for Creston area marijuana grow

A 38-year-old Hungry Horse man arrested in connection with marijuana grow operations at three houses in the Creston area earlier this year was sentenced by Flathead County District Court Judge Robert Allison on Dec. 11.

Jacob McDonald was sentenced to 10 years in prison, all suspended, after pleading guilty to a felony charge of criminal manufacture of dangerous drugs. Allison suspended all of McDonald’s $1,000 fine.

About 137 marijuana plants were found under grow lights at one of the Creston houses. Two men charged in the grow operation were sentenced on Nov. 26.

Eric Speer, 33, of Columbia Falls, was given a three-year deferred sentence, as negotiated in a Sept. 17 plea deal.

Jeremy Frey, 32, formerly of Columbia Falls, was given a five-year suspended sentence for his role in a Kalispell pot grow busted in 2013 and a 10-year suspended and consecutive sentence for his role in the Creston pot grow.

McDonald had a prior drug conviction and received a more severe plea deal. In 2006, he and his girlfriend allegedly were found in possession of one pound of cocaine divided into baggies and $6,000 in cash. Polaroid photos found at the time showed McDonald’s girlfriend next to a large quantity of marijuana.

Judge Ted Lympus sentenced McDonald in that case to 10 years with the Department of Corrections, with five suspended, for felony charges of possession with intent to sell and possession of dangerous drugs.

In the plea agreement for the Creston case, the state recommended a 10-year suspended sentence with the DOC if McDonald pleaded guilty by Alford plea, meaning he maintained his innocence but recognized the overwhelming evidence against him. McDonald pleaded guilty on Oct. 11.